The Feminine Rupee

Shobita Dhar December 05, 2005 00:00 IST The Feminine Rupee -0001-11-30T00:00:00+05:53

When film star, brand ambassador and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen was first seen flaunting a massive diamond on her finger, the grapevine was abuzz with guesswork on the high-profile admirer rumoured to have given her the ring. When it emerged that Sushmita had bought the rock-sized diamond herself, the rumours were replaced by a shocked silence—especially from men, who just couldn't stomach the idea of a woman buying a diamond ring for herself. But Sushmita's new acquisition reflects a growing trend among women not only to splurge on themselves, but to make the big spending, investing and savings decisions for themselves and their families. Be it buying the latest road-scorcher, getting a loan for a flat with a beautiful balcony, tracking the bulls on the Sensex or planning a week's holiday in the Maldives, women are displaying financial independence like never before.

Thirty-six-year-old Sangeeta Kuriakos loves to live life queen-size. She owns a splendid studio apartment in South Mumbai, shops for designer clothes, shoes and bags at Delhi's plush 1 MG Road, and...